Metalmark Butterflies (Riodinidae)

Metalmark Butterflies Fatal Metalmark Mormon Metalmark Palmer's Metalmark Red-bordered Metalmark Butterfly Pictures

The Metalmarks (Riodinidae) are a large family of butterflies, found mostly in tropical areas around the world.

A close examination of the wing pattern in a Metalmark species often reveals a metallic thread or band running through the wings. Apart from that physical trait, Metalmarks are generally described as small, indescript, brown butterflies.

The two most colorful metalmark species in the United States, the Blue Metalmark and Red-bordered Pixie, reside in areas along the Lower Rio Grande valley.

Along with the Lower Rio Grande Valley, most Metalmark presence in the United States is limited to the Southwest.

Three species are found east of the Rocky Mountains. The Northern Metalmark and Little Metalmark appear in pockets along the East Coast. Swamp metalmarks have established a small presence along the lower Great Lakes region and Midwest.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels. All Rights Reserved.